Shane Schmid, manager at Browning and Lee Hardware store in Colchester, said he has seen more customers than usual this year asking for material to seal up their homes from mice. He’s not sure why, but “anything you can put a pinkie through, mice can fit.”

Schmid recommends expansion foam and steel wool to plug the holes.

Schmid also recommends people insulate their water pipes, insulate their windows with thin, clear sheets of plastic, apply removable caulking where necessary, and install door sweeps — among other energy-saving measures — to prevent heat loss.

“If you can slide a dollar under your door, you might as well, because that’s where your heat is escaping,” he said.

Tips: winter preparation
Top five things to do to prepare for winter:

1. Update emergency contacts.

2. Put emergency kits at home and in the car.

3. Don’t put off home maintenance. Replace the furnace filter, clean out the fireplace and fill the propane tank.